BAIRD GETS SJR FLYING

STAVELEY MW RES 0 ST JOSEPH'S ROCKWARE WORKSOP 4

CMA PREMIER NORTH AT INKERSALL ROAD

2 MARCH 2024 --- 3PM

STAVELEY MW V ST JOSEPH'S ROCKWARE WORKSOP THE OPENING GOAL

A brace from Charlie Baird helped to secure three points for visitors St Josephs's Rockware Worksop in a performance that belied their league position although the result was helped by the sending off of Ziah McClaren for the home side after 25 minutes

ASSISTANT REFEREE GRAHAM TAYLOR TAKES UP HIS POSITION

The following could be inbuilt into any blog since October but here goes.  After a further week of the wet stuff games were once again falling to waterlogged pitches so it wa time to call on the 3G for a further chance of a game and a return to Inkersall Road, Staveley.  Of interest today was St Joseph's Rockware who of recent times have always been challenging at the right end of the table and it was of a shock to see them appearing to struggle at the wrong end when viewed before the game and I guess a home win looked on the cards, football is of course a funny old game though.

EARLY CLOSE IN ACTION

One of last weeks assistant referees from the Dronfield game was Notts FA's Graham Taylor who was appointed to today's fixture and it has to be said he is of experienced years, in his 70's, but signifies his love of 'the game', he always seems to be out doing a match.  A nice chap who always appears to be calm and decisive gaining the respect of the sides in the games I have seen him officiate in the time I have been watching non league he has been a regular feature.  

MATT TEMPLETON MOVES AWAY WITH THE BALL

With a clash of blue shorts there was an enforced change for the visitors who created a lovely fashion statement by wearing the home sides day glo orange, okay tangerine.  It seemed to work quite well in the pictures and brightened up the afternoon.

Staveley appeared to be minus a few players I guess gone with the first time for their derby game at Shirebrook and although not knowing much about the visitors it would appear Charlie Baird is possibly dual registered with Retford United which would not be a surprise as his quality was about to shine through the game.

LIAM HENDLEY APPEALS IN VAIN FOR THE FOUL

The visitors shocked Staveley just past the quarter of an hour mark from a corner of the right to the back post with a superb finish from Jack Greaves who came out between two home defenders to rise and head home past Billy Parker.  Staveley's job got harder on 25 minutes when McClaren was shown a red card for pulling back a Rockware defender as he was breaking through into the box leaving referee Tim Lewis little option.

Baird got his first cutting in off the inside left of the penalty box to fire home from close range to double the visitors lead after 32 minutes and that's how we arrived at half time.  

GREAVES MAKES IT 1-0 TO SJR

Staveley were given a way back into the game with a penalty awarded for handball just two minutes into the second half but it wasn't to be when Joe Vaughan flew to his right to push away a fair effort from Mitch Clogg.

As the match became more open Baird who had been a constant first half danger became even more prominent with a long range effort well pushed away by Parker before securing his second after 65 minutes firing home from just inside the penalty box.

SECOND HALF DEFENSIVE CLEARANCE FOR SJR

Staveley had played for much of the game of course with ten men and were playing some nice stuff but upfront remained ineffective something you could not accuse the visitors of and they got their fourth on 71 minutes.  Matt Templeton picked the ball up and strode on a few yards before unleashing a glorious low drive from 25 yards out into the bottom right hand of the goal to make it 4-0 to SJR.  You could say there was some joy as he wheeled away to the half way line in celebration.

BILLY PARKER UNDER PRESSURE IN THE HOME GOAL

The game was now definitely all over and although both sides looked for further goals Rockware were more than happy to take the three points from an excellent performance, admittedly against ten men, with some impressive efforts throughout the team.  It was a three points that with continued performances like this will see them pull away from the wrong end of the table.  

For Staveley it was probably not their most experienced side but they always attempt to play good football on the carpet and just an unfortunate day at the office.

THE IMPRESSIVE CHARLIE BAIRD GETS IN A SHOT

As ever it had been cheeky taxi in and cheeky taxi out allowing a quick return to base after the game from an enjoyable afternoon at the match.  Anybody seen the forecast for next Saturday?  Rain you say, never!

MATT TEMPLETON RECEIVES THE PLAUDITS FOR HIS GOAL